Man Spends Years Planning An Ancestral Trip With His Family, Declines His Wife's Request Of Bringing Her Mother Along

"This is the difference between you and me and our views on family"

Maryjane

• Published in Interesting
• August 14, 2023

Would you accept the opportunity to visit the country of your ancestors? While the answer would vary from person to person, it is definitely feasible given the rising popularity of ancestry and genealogy travel.

Many of us experience conflicted feelings, worries, and fears when we return to the country of our ancestors. Your concerns are fair, but while you plan on taking such a trip, it's advised that you keep an open mind since ancestral travel can be overwhelming or, in some situations, underwhelming.

It might not have the impact you expected. If you give it a chance to meet you with new eyes, you might discover that you are much more than you think.

The original poster of today's AITA story wants to take a three-week ancestral trip to Europe with his wife and young daughter. This isn't any trip, as it carries sentimental significance for the OP.

It's because this is the first time visiting his ancestors' countries, which is a lifelong dream the OP has talked about and finally pulled the trigger on. But how does his wife want her mother to tag along, as they are pretty close?

The OP says there are some underlying tensions between him and his MIL, but they maintain a cordial relationship. OP is concerned that the tensions with his MIL will cast a shadow over this experience, and he doesn't want her to come.

The story kicks off but not without a title

There are some underlying tensions between the OP and his MIL but they maintain a cordial relationship

What's even more challenging is that this trip is tied to the OP's ancestor's countries, and he may never make it back

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the AH:

I think my post does these things. I provided the scenario, then my action that should be judged was denying a request. I believe it can remain up. Thank you.

The OP should stand his ground and find out some things

A hill to die a thousand deaths on over and over and over again

They can both have what they want without anyone losing out if the OP plays this right

They can go a mother daughter trip while the OP goes with his kid

Maybe OP's wife told the mom that the trip was paid and settled for

Nothing is stopping the OP's wife from taking her mom on a trip

This is a trip that has special significance to the OP and it's important it's just the immediate family

This trip is too important for the OP to allow himself to be manipulated

This Redditor would be adamant that they won't share the same room

You get a rare chance to learn about your ancestors' history directly from the people who lived there when you have relatives there. Although it is very obvious, we frequently miss the chance to learn more about our history, but we can ask questions and visit interesting sites.

This is a lifelong goal vacation that OP has spent years planning and saving, so he was declared not the AH.

Maryjane